European network of media organisations dealing
with Muslim communities

The establishment of a European network of media organisations dealing with Muslim communities has been proposed by webislam.com and saphirnews.com, the largest Spanish and French Muslim websites respectively. This "European Media Islamic Network" seeks to coordinate participating organisations and help promote their common interests, without undermining the identity, language, and character of the individual members.

The network is aimed at giving a voice to the Muslim community in Europe, to show its reality, to help protect the civil rights of Muslims, and to encourage understanding within European society. While the network is European in nature, it is open to cooperation with organisations and entities from other parts of the world.

On 14-15 November 2008, a number of Muslim media organisations within Europe gathered in Madrid, Spain to develop a comprehensive statement of principles under which the network would operate. On 15 November 2008, the founding organisations have agreed to establish and participate in this "European Media Islamic Network" and abide by the statement of principles listed as follows:

1. Create a statement of values under which the network would operate. This could include shared Islamic values, ideals of pluralism, freedom of expression, journalistic integrity, the promotion of civil rights, and the promotion of harmony and understanding between cultures and religions. All founding and future members would agree to abide by these values in order to participate.

2. Create an interactive online medium by which member organisations can communicate and coordinate activities and resources between them, using new or existing technologies.

3. Explore the possibility of creating a pan-European website which would include content from member organisations. This could include logistic, editorial, branding, and operational aspects.

4. Create a resource, information, and media exchange through which member organisations can contribute to and benefit from. Member organisations will be asked to contribute credited articles (in English) on a regular basis for use by other members of the network.

5. Create a technology and expertise exchange through which member organisations can assist each other. This may include legal, security, journalistic, and technological workshops.

6. Explore the creation of a European Muslim news agency that would aggregate content provided by member organisations. This agency would then provide content as syndication to other media organisations within Europe and around the world.

7. Explore fundraising opportunities and knowledge exchanges to assist member organisations with the logistic requirements of their operations, including financing their activities and promoting efficiency.

The founding organisations of the "European Media Islamic Network" will be announced when this statement of principles is ratified by its participants.


----------------------------------------------------------------------

- creation of a google group to keep in touch.


- in the google group ever group should put their activities in the calendary.


- make a european website that reflects the views of the different websites that are members of the network.


- to create a fund of pictures and images restricted to members.


- technology and expertise exchanges. Use of workshops on technical issues.


- news muslim agency in Europe.


- fundraising activities.


- statement on values.


- The ways in which other members could join the network: criteria and methods. Anyone could join the network if they accept the statement of values.